Best Hartford Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Suffield Greater Together Community Fund Grant, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, offers financial support to enhance community ownership and engagement in Suffield. With grants ranging from $250 to $7,500, the fund encourages initiatives that benefit local residents and foster civic participation. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt or use a fiscal sponsor, ensuring that funding directly supports community-driven projects.

The Charles Nelson Robinson Fund Grant, established in 1970, aims to enhance educational, human services, and healthcare programs for underserved populations in Hartford, Connecticut. This grant supports initiatives that align with its mission, with a duration of one year. Organizations applying must have their principal office in Hartford and will receive notification of decisions within 2-3 months. Notably, capital project requests are not eligible for funding.

The American Savings Foundation offers ASF Program Grants to support programs enhancing life quality for children, youth, and families, especially in New Britain and Waterbury. Emphasizing education, human services, and arts & culture, the foundation funds established and innovative programs that address community needs. Grants are awarded once per year per program, requiring organizations to be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt. Ineligible entities include individuals, religious institutions, and political advocacy groups.

The American Savings Foundation offers After School Grants aimed at supporting high-quality after-school programs for children and youth, particularly in New Britain and Waterbury. The Foundation prioritizes educational, human services, and arts programs that demonstrate measurable impact. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and provide programs that engage at-risk youth. The Foundation encourages collaboration and requires regular attendance reporting to ensure program effectiveness.

The American Savings Foundation provides capital grants to support projects aligned with its mission, prioritizing direct service programs for children, youth, and families in New Britain and Waterbury. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can request funding for one-time capital needs, typically up to $10,000. The Foundation emphasizes measurable impact and community benefit, making it a vital resource for local nonprofits aiming to enhance the quality of life in their communities.

Civic Education and Civic Participation

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation is pleased to announce a competitive grant opportunity designed to support organizations that seek to engage in nonpartisan civic education and civic participation efforts leading up to the 2026 Midterm and Gubernatorial elections, particularly supporting civically underrepresented residents of the Greater Hartford 29 town region. The Foundation welcomes requests of up to $25,000 for nonpartisan activities implemented through the Spring and Fall of 2026.

This grant opportunity is by invite only. Organizations that received a 2020 Civic Engagement grant or a 2023 or 2024 Civic Engagement and Get Out the Vote grant can reach out to Cynthia Wills, Community Impact Officer, cwills@GreaterHartfordGives.org for access to the application. New applicants must participate in an eligibility interview to be invited to apply. Please contact Senior Community Impact Associate, Tiana Starks, tstarks@GreaterHartfordGives.org to discuss a project’s potential fit and eligibility by March 3.

The William T. Sloper Trust for Andrew J. Sloper Musical Fund Grant aims to enhance musical culture in New Britain, Connecticut. Established in 1937, it supports local organizations that conduct high-quality musical performances, including orchestras and choral groups. Grants are limited to one year and applicants must serve the New Britain community, ensuring that performances occur locally. Preference is given to organizations demonstrating exceptional merit in their musical offerings.

The Roberts Foundation - Excellence in the Arts Grant supports arts organizations in Hartford County, emphasizing the importance of artistic endeavors for community vitality. With a focus on funding exceptional aesthetic experiences, the foundation prioritizes nonprofits in key cities while encouraging visual artist compensation. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and limited to one application per year, ensuring the cultural heritage of Hartford thrives for generations to come.

The Ensworth Charitable Foundation, established in 1948, provides funding for educational, cultural, and health programs aimed at underserved populations in Hartford and nearby areas. Grants typically last for one year, with some multi-year support available. Eligible projects focus on the arts, humanities, education, health, and human services. Applicants should note that grants are not awarded for more than three consecutive years and are not available for endowment campaigns.

The Marjorie Moore Charitable Foundation Grant supports charitable projects in Kensington, Connecticut, focusing on education, arts, environmental, and health services for underserved populations. Established in 1957, it prioritizes organizations classified as 501(c)(3) charities, providing one-year grants with potential multi-year support for capital projects. Preference is given to those delivering human services or health care programming, ensuring impactful community development and support for local needs.

The Lily Palmer Fry Memorial Grant, managed by Bank of America, focuses on supporting summer camp opportunities for underserved children. Established in 1954, this grant prioritizes traditional camp programs that allow urban children to experience the natural environment, promoting their personal growth and development. By targeting specific community needs, the grant aims to provide enriching outdoor experiences that foster a sense of belonging and adventure for children in urban settings.

The Louise Lauretano DeMars Love of Art Fund, managed by the Main Street Community Foundation, aims to support local artists in Bristol and surrounding towns. Grants between $1,000 and $5,000 are awarded annually to individual artists to foster creativity and skill development. Eligible candidates must have resided in the area for at least two years, promoting artistic growth and cultural enrichment within the community.

The George H.C. Ensworth Memorial Fund Grant supports charitable organizations in Glastonbury, Connecticut, focusing on health, human services, youth services, education, and the arts. Established in 1949, it provides one-year grants to IRS-designated 501(c)(3) public charities. Notably, it does not fund capital projects or grant requests from individuals, and organizations cannot receive funding for more than three consecutive years. Submission details can be found in the provided guidelines.

The Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Fund Grant supports music concerts in Hartford's public spaces during the summer months. Established in 1978, it is open to nonprofit organizations, including arts groups and cultural centers. Eligible projects must feature at least two instruments and be accessible to the general public. The fund emphasizes community engagement and artistic collaboration, aiming to enrich the cultural landscape of Hartford while ensuring concerts are free for all attendees.

Marlborough Community Fund

The Marlborough Community Fund welcomes proposals requesting up to $7,000 for this grant cycle. The committee will award up to a total of $50,000 during this grant cycle, with the number and size of awards dependent on available funds and the pool of applications received.

All grants are one year, project-based awards and may include reasonable administrative or overhead costs. Funded organizations are required to complete a final report at the completion of the project or within 13 months of the award date (whichever is sooner).

When resources are limited, the committee may issue partial awards

The Neighborhood Beautification RFP - Love Your Block Hartford invites residents to submit ideas for improving their neighborhoods through mini-grants. This program, supported by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, aims to combat litter, activate vacant lots, and enhance community pride. Eligible projects should be public, beautify the area, and involve at least ten volunteers. Grants of up to $2,500 are available for projects that can be completed within the specified timeframe.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

About the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, formerly known as the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, is the largest community foundation in Connecticut. We serve 800,000 residents across 29 towns that make up Greater Hartford. Community is at the heart of what we do. We want to make this region a more inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and start a family.

OAHSTRIDES Fund

The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for grants through the OAHSTRIDES Fund. OAHSTRIDES is the philanthropic arm of Orthopedic Associates of Hartford, PC. They work with under-resourced populations in the Greater Hartford Community to provide the support needed to build essential life skills and live healthier lifestyles. Their Mission is to improve physical, emotional, and mental health with an emphasis on movement and mobility.

For the 2026 grant cycle, OAHSTRIDES is focused on supporting veterans in the Greater Hartford community through adaptive physical activity, mental wellness initiatives, and opportunities for meaningful community connection and reintegration. We recognize that many veterans carry visible and invisible impacts of service, including physical injuries, chronic pain, mobility challenges, post-service transition difficulties, and social isolation.

Through this funding opportunity, OAHSTRIDES seeks to partner with organizations that honor veterans’ experiences and are committed to empowering them through movement-based and wellness-centered programs. We aim to support initiatives that foster resilience, restore confidence and connection, and promote lifelong health and well-being for those who have served.

Programmatic and project-specific requests are strongly encouraged.

The Nonprofit Resource Training Grant offers up to $1,000 for tax-exempt organizations to send employees to essential training and conferences. This initiative supports community-based groups that serve low- to moderate-income populations and align with The Ready Commitment. By enhancing employee skills, the grant aims to strengthen nonprofits and their impact in the community, ensuring they provide valuable services effectively.

The Middlebury Fund, established in 1942 by Austin L. Adams, provides scholarships for students from Middlebury, CT. Administered by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, it aims to support worthy and intelligent young individuals with financial need. Each year, the fund awards between 5 to 10 scholarships, helping local students pursue higher education opportunities. With a strong legacy since 1945, the Hartford Foundation has invested nearly $30 million in Connecticut college-bound students.

Tolland Community Fund at Greater Hartford Gives

This grant opportunity supports projects that directly benefit town residents and reflect the priorities, aspirations, and lived experiences of the community.

Community Funds at the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation was created to empower residents with resources to identify needs and champion solutions in their own towns. Each fund is guided by a committee of volunteer residents who review applications, elevate local voices, and recommend grants that respond to emerging issues, longstanding disparities, or new opportunities for improvement. These committees bring deep local knowledge and a commitment to strengthening the places they call home. 

Through this RFP, the Tolland Community Fund seeks proposals that are responsive, communitycentered, and feasible within a one-year grant period. Applicants will be asked to articulate how their project addresses a clear local need, engages or benefits residents, and contributes to a stronger, healthier, or more connected community. 

The Bartlett Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports graduates from Greater Hartford high schools who have participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters or Boys and Girls Club programs. Since 1945, the foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, helping local students pursue higher education. This fund aims to empower youth by assisting those with financial needs to achieve their educational goals.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

The Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program supports distressed municipalities and environmental justice communities in enhancing urban green spaces. It provides funding for projects such as community gardens and green infrastructure, aiming to improve public enjoyment and environmental education. Eligible applicants must be municipalities or registered non-profits, with a focus on projects that demonstrate public accessibility. This match-share reimbursement program requires applicants to secure 50% of the total project cost.

Community Foundation of Greater New Britain

Since 1941, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain has been the area’s signature resource for those who, like us, aspire to make our community a better place.

The Foundation has been at the forefront of positive community change and charitable impact since The Stanley Works and New Britain Machine pooled $30,000 in gifts before World War II to begin what was then called the New Britain Foundation for Public Giving. Primarily a grant maker for many years, providing funding to support New Britain non-profits and their programs, our Foundation today is leading and collaborating to shape the Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington of tomorrow.

First Years First Early Childhood Grants

The goal of the Initiative is to support optimal learning and development of children, birth through preschool so children enter kindergarten ready to learn. 

First Years First Strategies

Increase Social Emotional Learning (SEL) among young children to support school readiness, success and outcomes. Support SEL training for parents/caregivers, teachers and other adults that work with young children.

Strengthen Parent/Caregiver Education by building skills, knowledge and relationships in one or more of the following ways: 1) increase knowledge of child development, early brain development and the lasting impact of high quality early childhood education, 2) support deepening relationships among caregivers, educators and young children that increase and incorporate Social Emotional Learning, 3) strengthen parenting and caregiver skills so that children are supported and ready to learn and succeed in school.

Support Foundational Skill Development that is age appropriate in math, pre-writing, and pre-literacy among young children and families.

Support teacher training that increases skill, knowledge and expertise and teachers’ ability to support the optimal learning and development of children birth through preschool.

The Santander Charitable Sponsorship Program focuses on supporting low- to moderate-income communities primarily in the Northeast and Florida. With a commitment of $100 million in charitable giving, the program addresses key community development needs, including affordable housing, job creation, financial education, and disaster relief. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status or be public agencies, demonstrating capacity to meet community needs. Unsolicited applications are not accepted.